Notable Players Set for Class 1 and 2 State Finals

The VHSL Class 1 and Class 2 state championship games on Friday will feature several standout players who have fueled their teams' postseason runs. Union and Clarke County meet in the Class 2 final at 12:30pm, while Galax and Luray will compete for the Class 1 title at 6pm. Each matchup includes players who have delivered big performances throughout the playoffs and helped lead their teams to the season's final stage. Here's a look at some of the notable players set to take the floor in the state finals.    Union's offense runs primarily through Witt, one of the most dynamic scorers in Class 2. In the Bears' 57-56 state semifinal win over Ridgeview, Witt erupted for 38 points while adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, a performance that made her the program's all-time leading scorer. Witt has been on an incredible scoring stretch entering the state final, producing 38, 26, 27, 29, and 30 points across her last five games. Earlier this season, she also set the single-game scoring record in a win over Wise Central with 43 points. Her ability to create offense at all three levels will be critical as Union looks to secure the state title.     Mckavish has been the centerpiece of Clarke County's success and enters the state final as one of the most accomplished players in Class 2. A three-time First Team All-State selection and back-to-back Region 2B Player of the Year, Mckavish is averaging 20.8 points, 7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game this season. She also brings valuable championship experience as the lone remaining player from Clarke County's 2023 state title team. In the Eagles' dominant 90-15 state quarterfinal win over Prince Edward County, Mckavish poured 27 points and sparked early momentum with aggressive drives, steals, and transition scores. With her leadership, production, and composure, Mckavish will play a major role in setting the tone for Clarke County on Friday.     Mckavish has quickly established herself as one of the most versatile young players in Class 2. Averaging 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and over 3 assists per game, Mckavish impacts the game on both ends of the floor with her scoring ability and defensive instincts. Her knack for turning defense into offense, whether through steals, deflections, or blocks, has been a key factor in Clarke County's success. Mckavish scored 19 points in the Eagles' state quarterfinal win over Prince Edward County and has delivered several strong postseason performances, including 14 points in the Region 2B title game. Her two-way presence alongside her sister [player_tooltip player_id='409781' first='Alainah' last='Mckavish'] gives Clarke County another major weapon heading into the state championship.     Bartlett has been one of Galax's most reliable offensive contributors during the team's postseason run. She led the Maroon Tide with 16 points in their 61-37 state semifinal win over George Wythe, helping push the team into the Class 1 state championship game. Earlier in the regional championship, Bartlett scored 22 points to finish as the team's second-leading scorer in a high-scoring victory. She also reached a major milestone earlier in the postseason, surpassing 1,000 career points during the first round of the regional playoffs. Bartlett's scoring ability and experience provide an important foundation for Galax entering the state title game.     Hawks has emerged as a major presence for Galax with her combination of size, rebounding, and scoring ability. In the state semifinal win over George Wythe, Hawks recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds to help lead the Maroon Tide to victory. She also delivered one of her biggest performances of the season in the regional championship, scoring a game-high 31 points. Her length and versatility allow her to impact the game both inside and on the perimeter. Despite being a freshman, she has already proven capable of stepping up in big moments.     Benson serves as the focal point of Luray's offense and commands significant defensive attention in the paint. Her interior presence forces opposing defenses to collapse, creating opportunities for the Bulldogs' perimeter shooters. By establishing position around the rim and drawing contact, Benson helps generate easy scoring opportunities and trips to the foul line. Her ability to control the interior was key in Luray's 54-23 state semifinal win over Essex. When Benson gets touches early, it often opens the floor for the rest of Luray's offense.     Painter has been one of Luray's top perimeter scorers during the postseason. In the Bulldogs' state semifinal victory over Essex, Painter led the team with 18 points. Her scoring ability benefits greatly from the attention drawn by Luray's post play, allowing her to capitalize on open looks from the perimeter and attacking lanes to the basket. Painter has shown confidence beyond her years, stepping into big moments throughout the playoff run. Her shot-making could play a pivotal role in the state championship matchup.     Owens has also played an important role in Luray's balanced offensive attack. In the state semifinal win over Essex, Owens finished as the team's second-leading scorer with 11 points. She provides additional scoring from the perimeter and helps keep defenses honest when attention shifts toward the post. Her ability to move without the ball and capitalize on open opportunities makes her a valuable complement to the Bulldogs' offensive system. Alongside Brylee Painter, she gives Luray another young playmaker capable of making an impact in the state championship.

The VHSL Class 1 and Class 2 state championship games on Friday will feature several standout players who have fueled their teams' postseason runs. Union and Clarke County meet in the Class 2 final at 12:30pm, while Galax and Luray will compete for the Class 1 title at 6pm. Each matchup includes players who have delivered big performances throughout the playoffs and helped lead their teams to the season's final stage. Here's a look at some of the notable players set to take the floor in the state finals.